10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Car

Secure your perfect second-hand car by asking the right questions first

Buying a used car is one of the smartest ways to get more for your money - but it pays to understand the bigger picture. Unlike buying new, where the car comes straight from the manufacturer, a used car has a history and may have had many other drivers.

Knowing the right questions to ask can be the difference between a car you love and one that costs you far more than you bargained for.

Here at Wilsons Epsom, we're big believers in informed, confident buying. So here are the 10 questions every used car buyer should ask before signing on the dotted line…

Questions We Cover In This Article:

1. What's the Full Service History?
2. Has the Car Ever Been in an Accident?
3. Is There Any Outstanding Finance on the Car?
4. How Many Previous Owners Has the Car Had?
5. What Does the MOT History Look Like?
6. Can I Take the Car for a Test Drive?
7. Is There a Warranty Included?
8. Does the Mileage Match Up?
9. What Are the Running Costs?
10. Is There Any Negotiation on the Price?

Question 1: What's the Full Service History?

A full service history is one of the best signs that a car has been properly maintained. It also protects your investment. For example, cars with a full service history typically hold their value better and are easier to sell on.

We recommend that you ask these accompanying questions:

• Has the car been serviced regularly, and are there stamps or digital records to prove it?
• Were the car’s services carried out by a franchised dealer or an independent garage?
• Is the service history full, partial, or missing entirely?

Question 2: Has the Car Ever Been in an Accident?

Even a well-repaired car can have hidden structural damage from a serious collision. Ask this question directly, and always back it up with a formal history check, as an HPI check will flag any recorded write-offs, category losses, or insurance claims.

At Wilsons Motor Group, all our used vehicles are thoroughly inspected and checked before going on sale, but it's always smart to ask the question yourself.

Question 3: Is There Any Outstanding Finance on the Car?

This is one of the most important questions a used car buyer can ask - and often one of the most overlooked. If a previous owner took out finance on the vehicle and hasn't fully paid it off, the finance company retains a legal interest in the car. That means they could repossess it, even from you.

An HPI or similar history check will reveal any outstanding finance. When you buy through a reputable car dealership like Wilsons Epsom, this is already built into our sales process - but if you're ever buying privately, never skip this step.

Question 4: How Many Previous Owners Has the Car Had?

Fewer owners generally means fewer unknowns of the vehicle, but it's not the whole story. A car with several careful, documented owners can be a much better buy than a one-owner car with no service history and signs of neglect.

Use this information alongside the service history and any inspection report to build a fuller, more accurate picture of the car's life so far.

Question 5: What Does the MOT History Look Like?

The MOT history reveals a lot about a car's condition over its lifetime. It’s not just about whether it passed, but if it has ever failed, and what advisories it's picked up along the way.

You can check any UK car's MOT history for free on the government website using the registration number. When viewing a car in person, always ask the following associated questions:

• When does the current MOT expire?
• Are there any active advisories you should be aware of?
• Has it had any recurring failures that suggest underlying issues?

Question 6: Can I Take the Car for a Test Drive?

Never skip a test drive - especially on a used car. This will help you pay close attention to how the car feels at different speeds, whether there are any unusual noises or vibrations, how the brakes respond, and whether anything feels "off." Your instincts really matter here.

Question 7: Is There a Warranty Included?

Used cars don't always come with a warranty, so it's important to ask up front to avoid any disappointment later on. Find out the following:

• Is the car still within its original manufacturer's warranty period?
• Does it come with a dealer warranty, and what exactly does it cover?
• Are there any exclusions, mileage limits, or excess charges?

Question 8: Does the Mileage Match Up?

High mileage on a used car shouldn’t necessarily be a dealbreaker. For instance, a well-serviced second-hand car with 80,000 miles can be a far better buy than a low-mileage car that's been neglected. But bear in mind that any mileage discrepancies are a serious red flag.

Always check that the mileage shown on the odometer is consistent with the car’s service history stamps and dates, and aligns with the MOT history records. If anything doesn't add up, walk away.

Question 9: What Are the Running Costs?

The purchase price of the car is just the beginning. Before committing, get a clear picture of what the car will cost to run day-to-day - these include:

• Fuel type and efficiency (is it petrol, diesel, mild hybrid, or full hybrid?)
• Road tax (check the VED band for the exact model and year)
• Insurance group (get a quick quote before you fall in love with a car that turns out to be expensive to insure)
• Servicing costs (some makes are more affordable to maintain than others)

Question 10: Is There Any Negotiation on the Price?

Negotiating is a completely normal part of buying a used car, so don't be afraid to have the conversation. Even if a car dealership can't move on the headline price, there's often room for added value: that may be a full tank of fuel, a fresh MOT, floor mats, or an extended warranty.

Always come prepared. If you've done your research and know the market value of the car you're looking at, you'll be in a much stronger position, and the conversation will feel far less daunting.

Buy a Used Car with Confidence at Wilsons Epsom

At Wilsons Motor Group, every used car on our forecourt goes through a rigorous inspection process, so you can browse and buy with complete peace of mind.

Our team is always on hand to answer your questions honestly and help you find the right pre-loved car for your lifestyle and budget.

Explore our used car range today!

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